The City of Cuero plans to adopt a new comprehensive plan that will be more action- oriented and community-driven to take advantage of opportunities and face the city’s challenges in 2026 and beyond, according to city officials.
The last comprehensive plan that was developed in 2013 provided valuable guidance, but the community’s priorities and needs have changed, said Rhonda G. Stastny, Cuero’s Grants and Special Projects Director.
“The new plan places stronger emphasis on issues residents are focused on today, including expanding affordable and workforce housing, creating career pathways for local youth, modernizing aging infrastructure, strengthening downtown and activating key community assets such as the Daule School campus and the airport,” Stastny said.
The city hopes that the full draft of the new comprehensive plan will be completed and presented to the City Council in late summer this year, Stastny said.
“At this stage we are still actively gathering community feedback on the draft of goals and objectives document, which will shape the draft plan,” she said. “Because we want to ensure that residents have adequate time to participate, an exact deadline for input has not yet been set; that deadline will be determined once the complete draft plan is prepared in early summer 2026.”
Stastny added that once the draft plan is complete there will be another public engagement like the public hearing held in January this year and another online survey.
“There was strong attendance at the Jan. 12 public hearing, with approximately 20 to 25 residents participating, and the feedback shared at the meeting was very positive,” Stastny said. “Attendees provided input on topics such as parks and community outreach in relation to comprehensive plan.”
Stastny said Cuero is positioned for steady, sustainable growth rather than rapid and uncontrolled expansion that some larger cities in Texas are experiencing.
“We expect continued interest from new residents attracted to Cuero’s quality of life and central location, along with opportunities to strengthen local industries, support small businesses, and attract new employers,” Stastny said. “By planning proactively, the City can guide growth in a way that creates jobs, expands housing options, and enhances community amenities while preserving Cuero’s small-town character.”
Stastny said the development of the comprehensive plan is crucial to the city and its population of residents and businesses.
“A strong comprehensive plan gives Cuero a clear, community- driven roadmap for the next decade and helps position the city to pursue grants, attract investment, and prioritize projects effectively,” Stastny said. “Most importantly, this plan reflects the goals and ideas of Cuero residents, and it will serve as a practical guide for building a stronger, more resilient future for the community.”
The city continues to gather additional feedback through an online survey and ongoing outreach efforts, Stastny noted. Residents are encouraged to make their voices heard, she said.
